Louisiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana HR279: ENERGY: Recognizes the value of geothermal energy development in the state
Status: Passed both chambers, June 1, 2026
What the bill says
A resolution To recognize geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana and commit to building the conditions necessary to scale the state's geothermal resources.
From the introduced text:
A RESOLUTION To recognize geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana and commit to building the conditions necessary to scale the state's geothermal resources. WHEREAS, advances in drilling technology pioneered by the oil and gas industry have unlocked geothermal energy development in states not traditionally associated with geothermal resources, demonstrating that subsurface expertise is the decisive advantage in scaling next-generation geothermal development; and WHEREAS, Louisiana's oil and gas workforce possesses the drilling, well integrity, reservoir management, and plant operations expertise required to build and operate geothermal systems, positioning the state to develop a geothermal industry faster and at lower cost than states without comparable human capital; and WHEREAS, Louisiana's deep well inventory, extensive subsurface data sets, and legacy oil and gas infrastructure create a foundation for geothermal development that reduces project costs and accelerates commercialization; and WHEREAS, geothermal development draws on the same companies, workers, and supply chains that power Louisiana's natural gas industry, making the two resources complementary pillars of the state's energy economy rather than competitors for investment or workforce; and WHEREAS, forthcoming research finds that Louisiana has significant untapped geothermal potential for electricity generation, industrial process heat, and cooling applications that could materially contribute to the state's energy needs; and Page 1 of HLS 26RS-4969 ORIGINAL HR NO. WHEREAS, geothermal energy is a firm, always-on domestic …
Sponsors
- Orgeron, Joseph (R, 54) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
- : Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.
- : Read by title, roll called, yeas 93, nays 3. The resolution was adopted.
- : Scheduled for floor debate on 06/01/2026.
- : Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.
- : Reported favorably (10-3).
- : Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
- : Read by title. Lies over under the rules.
Votes
- House Vote on HR 279, FINAL CONSIDERATION (#1867) (June 1, 2026): 93 yea, 3 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HR279?
- HR279 is a bill in the Louisiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): ENERGY: Recognizes the value of geothermal energy development in the state.
- What does HR279 do?
- In its own words: A resolution To recognize geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana and commit to building the conditions necessary to scale the state's geothermal resources.
- What is the status of HR279?
- Passed both chambers as of June 1, 2026. Latest action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House. (June 3, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR279?
- Orgeron, Joseph (R, 54).
- Where is the official record for HR279?
- On the Louisiana Legislature website: https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26RS&b=HR279
Source: official Louisiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.